4. Thaddeus Young might need to be more versatile than anticipated
If the Chicago Bulls continue to lose depth at the wing, then it could be up to the former Indiana Pacers forward Thaddeus Young to become more versatile than he’s usually asked to be. In the past, Young was accustomed to playing at the four. He started in every game he played in with the Pacers last season at power forward.
What could be redeeming for Chicago Bulls head coach Jim Boylen to place Young at the three is the fact that he’s a lengthy and solid two-way player that can hit his looks from beyond the arc and defend all over. The 6-foot-8 frame and strength and underrated quickness that Young brings to the table could allow him to still thrive off the bench at the three.
Boylen is likely to expect Young to contribute from all over the place. The contract he signed for just over $12 million was a good move from GarPax and he could surpass the expectations that are set for him easily. He had one of his best seasons in the NBA with the Pacers in 2018-19 by posting a player efficiency rating greater than 16 and roughly seven win shares.
What also works in favor of Young is the fact that the Bulls frontcourt has a good amount of young depth that he could slot next to at the three. Markkanen and second-year center Wendell Carter Jr. could allow Young to add size and strength to the five on the floor while also spacing the floor.